News Summary

Multiple Canadian startup support organizations are urging the federal government to extend the ElevateIP program, which is set to expire in March 2026. The $90-million initiative, managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, aims to help startups with intellectual property (IP) strategies and filings. Seven organizations, including Invest Ottawa and Communitech, have requested an additional $90 million to continue the program until 2030. The program has engaged over 9,000 startups and developed more than 800 IP strategies. With increasing demand for IP protection, especially in AI and defense technologies, stakeholders argue that the program is essential for retaining Canadian innovations and improving economic productivity. The campaign emphasizes the importance of IP for startups to compete globally and attract investors, highlighting successful cases like Tactiql, an Ottawa-based defense technology startup.